Left out from the spotlight, Caroline Herschel, whose brother is the famous astronomer Sir William Herschel, discovered fascinating
Portrait of an elder Caroline Herschel. Photo courtesy of daviddarling.info
comets in her lifetime. With a defection to her left eye caused by smallpox and a growth stunt at the age of ten due to typhus, she was predicted to never marry. Her height remained at four foot three inches the rest of her successful life. The petite and prestigious astronomer did have many friends though. Caroline was raised in a musical household then later on joined her musician/conductor brother in Bath, England to be his housekeeper. She eventually evolved into a professional soprano singer after taking voice lessons from her brother. Ms. Herschel started assisting William in his astronomy work, especially by assembling the telescopes. She would fill in for her sibling whenever he left for business. As William's pupil, Caroline partook in the infatuation of astronomy. Since she never memorized her multiplication tables, she used a sheet with the math on it for her work and solved calculations with ease. While her brother was visiting Germany, Caroline came across an astounding identification. She discovered her very first comet.[¹]
Insight and Influences
Caroline Lucretia Herschel was born March 16, 1750 in Hannover, Germany. Her father, Isaac Herschel, was a talented oboist in the army. He encouraged his six children to be educated in the fields of mathematics, French, and music. Mr. Herschel inspired Caroline to gain knowledge in astronomy by taking her outside one evening to introduce her to several constellations. On the other hand, Caroline's mother wanted her daughter to be a housemaid. It did not help the situation that in the time frame Caroline was brought into the world women were viewed as second class citizens. Also, the Seven Years' War was occurring and the French captured Caroline's hometown Hannover. With her life relating to that of a Cinderella fairy tale, Ms. Herschel was encouraged to go into astronomy by her father and brother but discouraged by her mother.[²][⁵][¹]
Caroline serves her brother William tea while he works on his research. Photo courtesy of telegraph.co.uk
Caroline's favorite brother William was her knight in shining armor when he rescued her from her misery of house duties. Not having any education, Caroline learned how to find her voice in music with the teachings of William. When William's hobby with astronomy turned into a passion, he prepared Caroline with the knowledge to become his apprentice. Herschel upheld the work of her sibling before going solo. Caroline documented every revelation that her and her brother encountered. In 1783 she discovered 3 new nebulae, or celestial gas clouds. Her first comet ever was found August 1, 1786 when she was 36 years old. The comet was appropriately named Herschel, after its observer, and is also know as "first lady's comet."[³][⁵]
Caroline was well educated and intelligent in her astronomical work for not attending college. She solved complex calculations that came with the observations done by William. In 1788 after William wed to a wealthy widow, Caroline carried on with the observations alone. Because of her brother's new wife, she wrote down thoughts of dislike towards her new sister-in-law in a diary but as the kinship amended she eradicated that diary. Her labor was thorough and achieved with a "27 inch focal length Newtonian telescope." None of her accomplishments would have been made possible without the guidance of her brother.[²][⁵][⁶]
Major Contributions
The primary discoveries Caroline Herschel made were the foundings of three nebulae in 1783. The first one, NGC 2360, was an open cluster and an original discovery made February 26, 1783. M 48, also known as NGC 2548, was an open cluster and an individual discovery made March 8, 1783. The third nebulae, NGC 6866, was an original discovery made July 23, 1783 and was found to be an open cluster as well. Other space sky objects revealed by Caroline include the well-known "elliptical M110(NGC 205), the evident spiral galaxy NGC 253, and the second satellite of the Andromeda galaxy M31." The spiral galaxy NGC 253 is acknowledged as a "starburst
The second satellite of the Andromeda galaxy. Photo courtesy of seds.org
galaxy, where stars form and explode" at a rate that is immense. It is also one of the brightest galaxies. M110(NGC 205) is a rather small spheroidal instead of a regular elliptical. The Andromeda galaxy is large and comparable by its looks to our galaxy. It is so large that its size is "more than four times the width of the full moon."[⁶]
In the period of 1786-1797, Caroline discovered eight comets. Six of the eight comets are named after Herschel. The comets ranged from a 3 to a 7.5 magnitude. Caroline recorded all of her observations and discoveries in her own catalog. The evening of August 1, 1786, was when she first layed eyes through her telescope on her original comet. This comet is known as "Comet C/P1 (Herschel)." The sky that night was not exactly in the best conditions, therefore delaying confirmation till the following evening. "Comet C/P1 (Herschel) was a brighter comet than most. Caroline's final comet discovery came on August 14, 1797 and it faded quickly. She could not have made these discoveries possible without learning from her brother. The eight comets discovered by Herschel remained a record up until the 1980s. Carolyn Shoemaker, who's name is fairly close to Caroline, broke that record for women astronomers.[¹⁰]
Caroline Herschel contributed majorly to recording the research between William and herself in catalogues that were later published. Without the assist of Caroline's strong ability to calculate equations from the observations, William's research would not have accurate results. Caroline put in enormous effort and time into her study of astronomy and in return got outcomes that gave her success. Her major contributions were recognized and awarded with tremendous honors. She was even granted a salary by the King and also became appointed into several distinguished societies and academies. Caroline Herschel earned the title as "The First Lady of Astronomy" because of her eight comet discoveries and the research work she shared with her brother William. Not only did she contribute in the field of science but in the field of music by sharing the gift of her talented soprano voice that landed her performances at opera houses across England.
Affect and Effect
It all started with Caroline's father, Isaac Herschel, which led Caroline into working with astronomy. He did his best to give Caroline and his other children the best education possible without having any proper education himself. Astronomy, music, and philosophy were the topics of interest and Caroline soaked up the information as her father gladly taught it. It was difficult for Caroline to believe that she would make such contributions to science later on in her life. After her father passed away in 1767 due to poor health conditions, Caroline conceived the thought that she should start to be in control of the way she lived and picked up dressmaking lessons and took courses to become a governess. Yet, with the combination of the demanding work from her mother plus finding time to study, it all overwhelmed her. Caroline later rebelled against her overbearing mother and accompanied her brother William in Bath, England in the year 1772. That is when the inspiration was put into effect and the aim for success began. [⁵]
William Herschel was not only Caroline's brother, but her co-worker and inspiration as well. He gave Caroline the drive to explore the world of astronomy with him as the guide. After multiple observations and discoveries he accomplished so far with Caroline, William got married to Mary Pitt and had a child name John in 1792. Caroline educated her nephew and left a major impact on his life. After devoting quality time with his successful aunt, John became motivated to continue his education at Cambridge University where he earned his degree as a mathematician and later appointed into the Royal Society. The Royal Society accorded John with the Copley Medal due to his accomplishments. Following in his family's footsteps, John united with his father in his astronomical research. After William passed away, Caroline became a help to John and recorded a catalogue of John's research, similar to what she did with William but less personal. Without the support and time spent with Caroline, John might have never been so inspired to reach his dreams. [⁵]
King George III granted Caroline a salary for being William's assistant and for performing such elaborate tasks. This 50 per year salary turned Caroline into the first woman scientist to ever be appreciated for her outstanding work in astronomy. Caroline's catalogues were published and some of them are still put to use in the present. Caroline was also the first woman in 1835 to be admitted honorary membership of Britain's Royal Society, chosen to become part of the Royal Irish Academy in 1838, and presented the Gold Medal for Science on her 96th birthday. Other special acknowledgements include serving as a guest Maskelyne at the Royal Observatory in the year 1799 and of the Royal Family in 1816, 1817, and 1818. The First Lady of Astronomy was not only affected by her family but had an effect on other people as well that gave her the recognition she deserves. [¹]
Legacy
Caroline Herschel left a legacy that many astronomers chase after. Not only did she discover eight comets but she truly lived a Cinderella fairy tale. Growing up being trapped inside her home as a maid, Caroline transformed into an efficacious observer of the stars. Her very first comet was discovered in 1786. Comet C/1786 P1 (Herschel), Comet 35 P/Herschel-Rigollet, Comet C/1790 A1, Comet C/1790 H1, Comet C/1791 X1, Comet C/1793 S2 (Messier), Comet 2P/Encke, and Comet C/1797 (Bouvard-Herschel) are the list of the eight comets Caroline was involved with discovering. She achieved these discoveries on her own and also assisted other discoveries performed by her prosperous brother William. Her memorable role in life was the collaborator of William. Side by side the two siblings worked as a dynamic duo and attained several exploits. They received multiple awards, even salaries from the king of England, for their triumphant work.
Initially, Caroline's position in life was to look after her family and work constantly on household chores. Caroline has lived the lifestyle of a maid up until her escape to England. She broke away from the compelling work that has restrained her from reaching her dreams. She came across less time to make discoveries on her own because of the consistent helping of William and his research. The time spent in England was more enjoyable for Caroline compared to the miserable life back home in Germany. She started out as a caretaker to her brother William when she first arrived in England but then quickly changed to working alongside her talented sibling. Her self confidence was finally gained when she was no longer constricted in the confinement of her parents home. The numerous years Caroline spent in misery finally paid off and made a turn for the better.
From rags to telescopes, Caroline took to heart what she learned from her father and brother and applied that essential knowledge to become the great female astronomer she was. Her success did not appear over night, like that of Cinderella in her "clock strikes midnight" story. With hard work, strong determination, and family influence, Caroline Herschel showed that even when the odds were stacked against her, she could still achieve the eight comet discoveries that helped give her the title First Lady of Astronomy. Overcoming barriers built up since early childhood, Caroline Herschel proved herself independent and truly rose up to be an inspiration for not only other astronomers but for people around the world.
Table of Contents
Caroline Herschel
Left out from the spotlight, Caroline Herschel, whose brother is the famous astronomer Sir William Herschel, discovered fascinating
Insight and Influences
Caroline Lucretia Herschel was born March 16, 1750 in Hannover, Germany. Her father, Isaac Herschel, was a talented oboist in the army. He encouraged his six children to be educated in the fields of mathematics, French, and music. Mr. Herschel inspired Caroline to gain knowledge in astronomy by taking her outside one evening to introduce her to several constellations. On the other hand, Caroline's mother wanted her daughter to be a housemaid. It did not help the situation that in the time frame Caroline was brought into the world women were viewed as second class citizens. Also, the Seven Years' War was occurring and the French captured Caroline's hometown Hannover. With her life relating to that of a Cinderella fairy tale, Ms. Herschel was encouraged to go into astronomy by her father and brother but discouraged by her mother.[²][⁵][¹]
Caroline's favorite brother William was her knight in shining armor when he rescued her from her misery of house duties. Not having any education, Caroline learned how to find her voice in music with the teachings of William. When William's hobby with astronomy turned into a passion, he prepared Caroline with the knowledge to become his apprentice. Herschel upheld the work of her sibling before going solo. Caroline documented every revelation that her and her brother encountered. In 1783 she discovered 3 new nebulae, or celestial gas clouds. Her first comet ever was found August 1, 1786 when she was 36 years old. The comet was appropriately named Herschel, after its observer, and is also know as "first lady's comet."[³][⁵]
Caroline was well educated and intelligent in her astronomical work for not attending college. She solved complex calculations that came with the observations done by William. In 1788 after William wed to a wealthy widow, Caroline carried on with the observations alone. Because of her brother's new wife, she wrote down thoughts of dislike towards her new sister-in-law in a diary but as the kinship amended she eradicated that diary. Her labor was thorough and achieved with a "27 inch focal length Newtonian telescope." None of her accomplishments would have been made possible without the guidance of her brother.[²][⁵][⁶]
Major Contributions
The primary discoveries Caroline Herschel made were the foundings of three nebulae in 1783. The first one, NGC 2360, was an open cluster and an original discovery made February 26, 1783. M 48, also known as NGC 2548, was an open cluster and an individual discovery made March 8, 1783. The third nebulae, NGC 6866, was an original discovery made July 23, 1783 and was found to be an open cluster as well. Other space sky objects revealed by Caroline include the well-known "elliptical M110(NGC 205), the evident spiral galaxy NGC 253, and the second satellite of the Andromeda galaxy M31." The spiral galaxy NGC 253 is acknowledged as a "starburst
In the period of 1786-1797, Caroline discovered eight comets. Six of the eight comets are named after Herschel. The comets ranged from a 3 to a 7.5 magnitude. Caroline recorded all of her observations and discoveries in her own catalog. The evening of August 1, 1786, was when she first layed eyes through her telescope on her original comet. This comet is known as "Comet C/P1 (Herschel)." The sky that night was not exactly in the best conditions, therefore delaying confirmation till the following evening. "Comet C/P1 (Herschel) was a brighter comet than most. Caroline's final comet discovery came on August 14, 1797 and it faded quickly. She could not have made these discoveries possible without learning from her brother. The eight comets discovered by Herschel remained a record up until the 1980s. Carolyn Shoemaker, who's name is fairly close to Caroline, broke that record for women astronomers.[¹⁰]
Caroline Herschel contributed majorly to recording the research between William and herself in catalogues that were later published. Without the assist of Caroline's strong ability to calculate equations from the observations, William's research would not have accurate results. Caroline put in enormous effort and time into her study of astronomy and in return got outcomes that gave her success. Her major contributions were recognized and awarded with tremendous honors. She was even granted a salary by the King and also became appointed into several distinguished societies and academies. Caroline Herschel earned the title as "The First Lady of Astronomy" because of her eight comet discoveries and the research work she shared with her brother William. Not only did she contribute in the field of science but in the field of music by sharing the gift of her talented soprano voice that landed her performances at opera houses across England.
Affect and Effect
It all started with Caroline's father, Isaac Herschel, which led Caroline into working with astronomy. He did his best to give Caroline and his other children the best education possible without having any proper education himself. Astronomy, music, and philosophy were the topics of interest and Caroline soaked up the information as her father gladly taught it. It was difficult for Caroline to believe that she would make such contributions to science later on in her life. After her father passed away in 1767 due to poor health conditions, Caroline conceived the thought that she should start to be in control of the way she lived and picked up dressmaking lessons and took courses to become a governess. Yet, with the combination of the demanding work from her mother plus finding time to study, it all overwhelmed her. Caroline later rebelled against her overbearing mother and accompanied her brother William in Bath, England in the year 1772. That is when the inspiration was put into effect and the aim for success began. [⁵]
William Herschel was not only Caroline's brother, but her co-worker and inspiration as well. He gave Caroline the drive to explore the world of astronomy with him as the guide. After multiple observations and discoveries he accomplished so far with Caroline, William got married to Mary Pitt and had a child name John in 1792. Caroline educated her nephew and left a major impact on his life. After devoting quality time with his successful aunt, John became motivated to continue his education at Cambridge University where he earned his degree as a mathematician and later appointed into the Royal Society. The Royal Society accorded John with the Copley Medal due to his accomplishments. Following in his family's footsteps, John united with his father in his astronomical research. After William passed away, Caroline became a help to John and recorded a catalogue of John's research, similar to what she did with William but less personal. Without the support and time spent with Caroline, John might have never been so inspired to reach his dreams. [⁵]
King George III granted Caroline a salary for being William's assistant and for performing such elaborate tasks. This 50 per year salary turned Caroline into the first woman scientist to ever be appreciated for her outstanding work in astronomy. Caroline's catalogues were published and some of them are still put to use in the present. Caroline was also the first woman in 1835 to be admitted honorary membership of Britain's Royal Society, chosen to become part of the Royal Irish Academy in 1838, and presented the Gold Medal for Science on her 96th birthday. Other special acknowledgements include serving as a guest Maskelyne at the Royal Observatory in the year 1799 and of the Royal Family in 1816, 1817, and 1818. The First Lady of Astronomy was not only affected by her family but had an effect on other people as well that gave her the recognition she deserves. [¹]
Legacy
Caroline Herschel left a legacy that many astronomers chase after. Not only did she discover eight comets but she truly lived a Cinderella fairy tale. Growing up being trapped inside her home as a maid, Caroline transformed into an efficacious observer of the stars. Her very first comet was discovered in 1786. Comet C/1786 P1 (Herschel), Comet 35 P/Herschel-Rigollet, Comet C/1790 A1, Comet C/1790 H1, Comet C/1791 X1, Comet C/1793 S2 (Messier), Comet 2P/Encke, and Comet C/1797 (Bouvard-Herschel) are the list of the eight comets Caroline was involved with discovering. She achieved these discoveries on her own and also assisted other discoveries performed by her prosperous brother William. Her memorable role in life was the collaborator of William. Side by side the two siblings worked as a dynamic duo and attained several exploits. They received multiple awards, even salaries from the king of England, for their triumphant work.
Initially, Caroline's position in life was to look after her family and work constantly on household chores. Caroline has lived the lifestyle of a maid up until her escape to England. She broke away from the compelling work that has restrained her from reaching her dreams. She came across less time to make discoveries on her own because of the consistent helping of William and his research. The time spent in England was more enjoyable for Caroline compared to the miserable life back home in Germany. She started out as a caretaker to her brother William when she first arrived in England but then quickly changed to working alongside her talented sibling. Her self confidence was finally gained when she was no longer constricted in the confinement of her parents home. The numerous years Caroline spent in misery finally paid off and made a turn for the better.
From rags to telescopes, Caroline took to heart what she learned from her father and brother and applied that essential knowledge to become the great female astronomer she was. Her success did not appear over night, like that of Cinderella in her "clock strikes midnight" story. With hard work, strong determination, and family influence, Caroline Herschel showed that even when the odds were stacked against her, she could still achieve the eight comet discoveries that helped give her the title First Lady of Astronomy. Overcoming barriers built up since early childhood, Caroline Herschel proved herself independent and truly rose up to be an inspiration for not only other astronomers but for people around the world.
References
1. http://space.about.com/cs/astronomyhistory/a/herschelcar.htm
2. http://www.agnesscott.edu/Lriddle/women/herschel.htm
3. http://www.womanastronomer.com/caroline_herschel.htm
4. http://www.maa.clell.de/Messier/E/Xtra/Bios/wherschel.html
5. http://www.astro-tom.com/biographies/herschel,_caroline.htm
6. http://www.seds.org/messier/xtra/similar/cher.html
7. http://www.noao.edu/image_gallery/html/im1017.html
8. http://www.noao.edu/image_gallery/html/im0424.html
9. http://www.noao.edu/image_gallery/html/im0582.html
10. http://gchbryant.tripod.com/Articles/Caroline0597.htm
11. http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01132/arts-graphics-2008_1132005a.jpg
12. http://www.daviddarling.info/images/Herschel_Caroline.jpg
13. http://www.seds.org/messier/Jpg/m31.jpg